Meningitis vaccine supply secured for Morocco's 2025 Umrah pilgrims

Friday 07 February 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Meningitis vaccine supply secured for Morocco's 2025 Umrah pilgrims

Health authorities in Morocco have taken decisive steps to ensure adequate supplies of the newly mandated meningitis vaccine for citizens planning to perform Umrah in 2025, according to government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas.

The initiative comes in response to Saudi Arabia's recent requirement that all Umrah pilgrims must receive meningitis vaccination. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has distributed vaccines to accredited health centers nationwide and Pasteur Institutes to meet the growing demand.

During a press conference following the weekly government council, Baitas emphasized the ministry's ongoing efforts to maintain sufficient vaccine stocks while preserving strategic reserves. He encouraged citizens to visit their nearest accredited health center for vaccination and certificate acquisition, while cautioning against creating overcrowded conditions.

The announcement addresses public concern that emerged after videos circulated online showing large crowds at the Pasteur Institute in Casablanca. The situation prompted institute management to deploy security forces to maintain order during the vaccination process.

Some Moroccan citizens have proposed expanding vaccine distribution to include pharmacies, citing this as a common practice in other countries. They suggest this expansion would streamline the vaccination process for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

The ministry's swift response aims to prevent shortages and ensure smooth access to the required vaccination for all prospective pilgrims. Health centers across Morocco are now equipped to provide the mandatory vaccine, though they continue to experience high visitor volumes as pilgrims seek to fulfill the new requirement.